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Grimsby and Immingham ports, both owned by ABP, create the UK’s largest port by tonnage (Image: Submitted photograph)

ABP are delighted to be supporting the Heart of Your Community Awards for the very first time and have sponsored the Volunteer of The Year category.

The ports of Grimsby and Immingham, both owned by ABP, create the UK’s largest port by tonnage. Whilst retaining its strong connection with the fishing and food industry, Grimsby is now a major car import terminal and is at the forefront in serving the developing offshore wind industry.

Mark Frith, port manager for Grimsby and Immingham said: "We certainly understand how busy people’s lives are nowadays and that’s why it’s important to recognise those who go above and beyond their paid professions to help out those in need.

"It’s the first year we’ve sponsored this category and we’re excited to learn more about this admirable people who dedicate their time to helping others."

ABP sponsored the first ABP Humber Coastal Half Marathon this summer. Pictured are the top three winners of the half marathon, from left Mark Sands, Shane Robinson and William Strangeway (Image: Submitted photograph)

This year, ABP sponsored the first ABP Humber Coastal Half Marathon and felt it was a key opportunity to bring people together for a common purpose, to raise money for causes that are dear to people's hearts.

Within the local community, the port industry in Grimsby has been a part of the local economy for many generations.

Mark continued: " One of our corporate aims is to educate the younger generation about how important the ports industry is to the UK as a whole.

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"By getting involved with local communities, it raises people’s awareness of our company and helps them to understand that we have a wide variety of jobs available from marine to operations, finance to admin.

"ABP chose to nominate this particular award because we would encourage any of our employees to volunteer in the local community.

"We have a huge pool of highly skilled, professional workers and we know that many community groups would benefit from an hour or two of their time."

The Humber ports support 33,000 jobs and together handle more than 65 million tonnes of cargo (Image: Submitted photograph)

ABP believe these awards are important as they raise awareness of the voluntary opportunities available in our region.

"We hope that more local people may take an interest in spending some time volunteering," said Mark.

"Volunteers give up their own time to help others in their local community. It’s important to recognise their selfless deeds which may otherwise go unnoticed.

"It’s important to take time out to praise people who go above and beyond the norm. These awards are a fantastic way of recognising he extra effort the people put in to improve our way of life.

"We’re looking for enthusiastic people who will make a real difference to our community."

Do you know someone that fits the bill, if so then please take the time to nominate them.

The 2016 Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Elaine Norton, centre, by Becky Darnell, left, and Gill Ross, right, from the John Ross Foundation Trust (Image: Rick Byrne)

Last year, the winner of Volunteer of The Year, was Elaine Norton who has been a pillar of the community in her role as One Voice chairman in Immingham - particularly with young people in the area.

Recalling the awards night, Elaine said: “It was totally overwhelming, there’s so many volunteers that do so much to make a difference in their communities.

“We all make a difference in many different ways, it was a honour that people thought to nominate me.

“There’s so many unsung heroes in the community and people don’t always realise or appreciate the work they do so if someone has made a difference to your life, put them forward - it could encourage others to volunteer if they see the work they do. Volunteers should be celebrated!”

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“I was truly humbled that people felt I deserved this award and had nominated me and I was overwhelmed by all the kind supportive encouragement congratulations when I won it.

"This really has made me think about the value of volunteering on a deeper level and encouraged me to try to champion the volunteers in Immingham more than ever before.

Elaine Norton was overwhelmed to be nominated last year and even more so when she won the category (Image: Submitted photograph)

“Earlier this year we hosted a volunteer celebration event in Immingham - this was the first of what will now be an annual event to honour and thank all of our local volunteers on a regular basis.

“A volunteer needs to have many different qualities depending on the type of volunteer role - however every volunteer I have met inspires me as they clearly care and want to make a difference; they are always passionate about what they do a volunteer always have the heart to encourage change.